Why choose CIMA?

CIMA’s business-ready qualification

CIMA’s study and robust assessment methods mean that the real-life skills and competencies employers need are woven into the syllabus.

About our syllabus

The syllabus is strong on the core accounting skill, but also includes ‘Big Data’, sustainability, integrated reporting and finance function transformation. We also study risk, as well as costing and cost management.

Passing your CIMA assessments at every level shows to an employer that you have a grasp of theory and practice.

Online assessment

All assessments are computer based and in the case of the objective tests are available ‘on demand’.

We're the first global accountancy body to pioneer a combination of computerised assessments to examine our syllabus. This reflects the wider use of technology in education and industry.

Our syllabus and assessment gives you a robust and flexible learning experience to suit your lifestyle.

Be recognised globally

By becoming a CIMA member you will join the world’s largest professional body of management accountants. You will be able to use the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and be part of a truly global network.

The CGMA designation is powered by two of the world’s leading accounting bodies – CIMA and AICPA. It aims to establish management accounting as the most valued profession in business worldwide.

CGMA Competency Framework

CIMA has taken part in comprehensive research with international finance professionals and employers. We fully understand the skills and knowledge needed by the business world. We have used this knowledge to create the CGMA Competency Framework.

The competency framework means our syllabus and assessment focuses on ‘employability’. You will not only be financially qualified, but also professionally trained in business management - making you capable of advising on business strategy and risk management.

If you want the blend of business acumen and core accounting skills that top organisations around the world have told us they need - then study with CIMA.

Demonstrate professionalism and employability

As a CIMA student or member, you show employers that you have a commitment to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.

Our ongoing professional development also keeps your qualification relevant. This is how CIMA can increase your 'employability' in a changing business world.

Boost your earning potential

A CIMA qualification can increase your earning potential, even while you are still studying. Our global salary surveys show what you can expect to earn as a fully qualified or part-qualified professional.

Need to talk to someone directly?

You can talk directly to one of our personal advisors about any aspect of studying CIMA, including registering as a student. Call us on +44 (0)208 849 2251 and select option 1.

Our contact centre opening hours are 9am to 5pm (UK time) Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can also contact your local CIMA office.

CIMA tuition providers

CIMA has developed an accreditation scheme which aids students in finding the right tuition provider. The tuition providers within the scheme have been assessed by CIMA against a set of global quality standards. We award our tuition partners with designations based on the standards met across criteria such as delivering quality courses, supporting students and providing ongoing support to help them develop.

There are three levels within the CIMA Global Learning scheme:

CIMA Global Learning Premium Partner

Tuition providers with a Premium Partner status offer the very best in CIMA tuition, having been through a rigorous assessment and quality assurance process. Studying with a Premium Partner has many advantages, including classes with experienced CIMA lecturers, excellent support and feedback and market leading pass rates giving you the best chance of passing your CIMA exams.

CIMA Global Learning Advanced Partner

Tuition providers with an Advanced Partner status have proven they meet the global standards for tuition at this level which means you can expect a high standard of teaching and support. Studying with a CIMA Global Learning Advanced Partner will get your studies off to a great start.

CIMA Global Learning Partner

CIMA’s Global Learning Partners have been successfully assessed against its global standards for tuition at that level which means you are studying with a provider who is working in partnership with CIMA towards the provision of the best levels of tuition and support for their students.

You can search for course providers near you by name of college, area, city, country, type of programme and/ or level of programme.

Types of courses include full time, part time, evening, weekend and distance learning.

Exemptions

The CIMA exemptions search is currently experiencing some problems. We are looking to fix as a matter of urgency, please return periodically to check [1st March 2016].

You may be exempt from certain exams in the Certificate in Business Accounting and CIMA Professional Qualification if you hold a relevant degree or qualification.

The exams you are exempt from will vary depending on the degree or qualification you hold.

Exemptions are awarded at CIMA’s discretion.

Who is eligible for exam exemptions?

You may qualify for exemptions if you:

Are a graduate with a qualification listed in our database of CIMA accredited programmes.

Are a graduate of a degree programme that is related to the CIMA syllabus.

Are an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) student or member.

Have an MBA or a Master's in Accounting.

Are a member or passed finalist of ICWAI or ICMAB, or a member of ICMAP.

Are studying or have completed a relevant qualification with another professional body.

You can search for your qualification in our exemptions database. If your degree or qualification is not listed, you may still be eligible for exemptions.

CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting

The Certificate in Business Accounting is CIMA’s entry level accounting qualification for students with little or no accounting background.

The certificate level gives you business experience beyond just financial accounting and you’ll gain insight into how the different areas of accounting relate to the business world.

It can be seen as a knowledge refresher course or a foundation to a career in business and finance. The Certificate in Business Accounting forms the basis of the CIMA Professional Qualification and is a valuable qualification on its own.

What do I need to get started?

You don’t need any formal qualifications to start this level. You will need a good understanding of both English and maths and a passion to succeed in business.

If you have any previous accounting experience you might be eligible for exemptions from subjects at this level.

How does it work?

Studying

This level offers a lot of flexibility to suit your personal circumstances. You can study full-time or part-time meaning you can work and learn at the same time.

There are different ways to study depending on what works best for you. While tuition providers give students the best chance of passing, you can also study online with cimastudy.com or by using official CIMA textbooks from CIMA publishing.